To strengthen India’s S-400 air defense system, India and Russia are presently negotiating a significant missile purchase of about Rs 10,000 crore.
Following the Indian Air Force’s S-400 system’s purportedly significant battlefield influence during Operation Sindoor, these talks have accelerated.
Five to six Pakistani fighter planes and one spy plane were successfully destroyed by the S-400 during this four-day battle, according to defense sources, at a distance of more than 300 kilometers deep inside Pakistani territory. The S-400 is a major game-changer in India’s integrated air defense network, according to the IAF.
To further improve the operational readiness and endurance of its S-400 squadrons, the Indian Air Force plans to purchase these extra missiles in significant quantities. India’s ongoing efforts to fortify its air defense umbrella in the face of changing regional security threats are reflected in ongoing negotiations with Russia.
The Defense Ministry is expected to forward this request for approval at the next Defence Acquisition Council meeting on October 23, according to defense officials.
In 2018, India and Russia had already inked a deal for the purchase of five sets of S-400 regiments. The purchase of the remaining two squadrons is still pending, although three of these have already been delivered and are completely functional. Delays in the delivery of the fourth squadron occurred due to Russia’s ongoing military commitments in Ukraine.
Although Russian production capacity has recently prioritized assistance for its own military forces, India and Russia have held negotiations regarding the possible induction of additional S-400 units and the newer S-500 systems in addition to concluding the initial S-400 purchase.
According to defense insiders, India is also considering its options for acquiring cutting-edge air-to-air missiles from Russia in order to bolster its arsenal for conflicts that take place beyond visual range. The IAF’s overarching goal of preserving technological superiority and operational adaptability within its fighter fleet—much of which still depends on a steady supply of Russian-origin bombs and systems—is in line with this program.
In addition to these initiatives, Indian and Russian authorities are looking into ways to improve the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which they developed together. They want to see improvements made to the land, air, and naval versions. Particularly, the IAF views BrahMos as a focal point of its strike operations and is determined to use future collaboration to gain a competitive edge.
In December, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to travel to India, where he is anticipated to discuss the expansion of military-technical cooperation between the two countries.
In order to strengthen India’s defense readiness in line with regional realities and changing threat perceptions, both parties are probably going to assess current initiatives and look for new chances.
